AI Damage1985 Pontiac Fiero: common problems
Owners of the 1985 Pontiac Fiero filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and cooling and parking brake. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 18
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Engine and cooling 78% of all complaints
- 2 Parking brake 22% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 11% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 11% of all complaints
- 6 Electrical system 6% of all complaints
- 7 Equipment 6% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 6% of all complaints
- Engine and cooling: 14 complaints (78% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Parking brake: 4 complaints (22% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (11% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (11% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.5 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 18 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and cooling | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Parking brake | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The recall addresses coolant leaks, oil leaks, and improper sealing of the engine compartment lid allowing for premature failure of the front (left) exhaust manifold. My manifold is cracked due to such deck lid failure.
Recalls 89 v 232 000/engine and 90 v 104 000/engine: vehicle had an engine compartment fire while traveling 15-20 mph. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Pontiac refuses to perform nhtsa campaign id number 91v055000. Their position is the recall has already been performed. I have owned the vehicle since 1990, well before the recall date, and the recall has not been performed.
Clutch and slave cylinder failed due to springs catching the fingers in the pressure plate stripping the release bearing. Yuh
The emergency brake adjuster fails to operate. The pads were worn out. It would fail to hold when engaged. Can roll in on incline. 91v055000
(my complaint / case number with gm is #99027524) on 12/31/98 while traveling out of town to visit relatives the passenger compartment of the car filled with smoke & exhaust fumes & at that point I thought the engine was on fire.
The dealership will not fix everything stated in his recall letter. Consumer states recall letter states that the brake pads need to be replaced whent the cables, etc are replaced, however dealer did not perform this, service manager refused to replace, consumer refuses to drive vehicle, recall 86-c-16, regarding…
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Fiero has 12 complaints (9 years in the data). This year has 18, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Parking brake. Electric parking brake, codes, calipers.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1985 Pontiac Fiero?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine and cooling, parking brake, powertrain. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: overheating, coolant loss (17%), smoke, burning smell, fire (17%), engine failure or replacement (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1985 Pontiac Fiero?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1985 Pontiac Fiero from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1985 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.